The Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo held in Tokyo’s bustling neighborhood of Ikebukuro invites Middle Eastern anime fans to experience anime tourism, creating an exclusive and welcoming festival for international fans.
Japanese animation (anime) has long captured the hearts of Middle Eastern fans through the adventures of Detective Conan, Doraemon, and many more cartoons. In recent years, anime fans head to Japan to visit real-life locations featured in their favorite shows, creating a modern type of set-jetting practice known as “Anime Tourism”.
The festival launched in the fall of 2024 and 2025 to massive success, collaborating with different regional prefectures to offer anime-themed workshops, exclusive merchandise, and stage shows. The prefecture of Akita, is one such prefecture. Home to the author of Fisherman Sanpei, Akita’s lush landscapes and winding rivers inspired locations in the generational show, which attained massive popularity in the Middle East. It is also home to the Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, the world’s biggest comic book archive, which attracts massive fans from around the world. Down South, the city of Shinjo in Yamagata Prefecture is represented by the beloved classic “Hunter x Hunter”. The city houses original artworks and interactive maps in various locations, including the scenic cafe Nokurasi and the flower shop Hanaya Hanaten.
Niigata City from Niigata prefecture is also a well-known hotspot for anime fans. The Niigata Manga Animation Museum and the Niigata Manga House both offer hands-on experience in the craft of comics and animation. There are many limited dioramas and rotating gallery experiences, as well as opportunities to try voice acting first-hand!
Miyagi Prefecture also attracted excited crowds. Miyagi’s Ishinomaki, a beautiful coastal city, is home to the classic Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009 series, both commemorated in the Ishinomori Manga Museum. The museum opened its doors in 2001 and houses never-before-seen artworks and exhibits of the world-renowned comic artist Mr. Shotaro Ishinomori. Fans are invited to try first-hand art experiences at the Ishinomaki Manga Lab Hitocoma adjacent to the museum, in addition to exclusive screenings. In recent years, Ishinomaki has addressed the influx of international travelers, and many of its restaurants offer halal options for Arab fans. Yahataya is one such restaurant, offering delicious local seafood delicacies while housing its own collection of rare original artworks by popular comic authors, including Mr. Takao Yaguchi and Ashita no Joe’s author Mr. Asao Takamori.
Two of the Expo’s popular featured spots are the cities of Takao and Himi from Toyama Prefecture. Arab fans will find delight in both these spots, known as the homes of authors Mr. Fujiko F. Fujio and Mr. Fujiko A Fujio, the creative minds behind the beloved classics of Doraemon and Sunbul. Both shows aired to massive popularity in the Arab world, and a visit to either city is a must. From riding a Doraemon-themed bus to the Doraemon Walking Trail by the station, fans can travel across the real-life locations that inspired the anime. The Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery, with its accompanying park features exhibits detailing the history of Doraemon and the path Mr. Fujiko took to becoming one of the most beloved legends of the medium. In a similar fashion, Himi’s Shiokaze Gallery also provides interactive exhibits with different shows, including Sunbul, a classic in the Arab world. The streets of Himi themselves attest to the author’s legacy, filled with an array of colorful statues of the series’ characters, making it a must-see photography spot for landscape and anime fans alike.
As the premier attraction for anime tourism, The Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo continues to evolve every year, representing more exclusive anime experiences for international fans. For Middle Eastern travelers wishing to head over to explore these anime worlds, Safir Anime launched as your portal to the latest information on Anime tourism from the Middle East, so do not hesitate to reach out for more information.